Find Antonyms
kindly Antonyms
Opposite of kindly
Because the opposite of kindly shifts with each meaning, the 33 antonyms and opposite words below are separated across 4 exact definitions and ranked by contrast strength.
• adverb (Context 1)
In a kind, considerate, warm, or generous manner.
Usage Example
"She spoke unkindly to the nervous applicant and offered him a glass of water."
Strongest
unkindly
cruelly
harshly
coldly
inconsiderately
Strong
callously
roughly
meanly
spitefully
unsympathetically
• adjective (Context 2)
Having or showing a warm, sympathetic, benevolent, or gentle nature.
Usage Example
"The unkind librarian helped the young student find books for her history project."
Strongest
unkind
cruel
coldhearted
hardhearted
mean
callous
Strong
harsh
malevolent
spiteful
unsympathetic
• adverb (Context 3)
With favor, approval, or appreciation (usually used in phrases such as 'take kindly to' or 'look kindly upon').
Usage Example
"The committee did not look unfavorably upon the last-minute changes to the proposal."
Strongest
unfavorably
disapprovingly
negatively
Strong
poorly
badly
dimly
• adjective (Context 4)
Pleasant, mild, or favorable to growth and comfort (especially of climate or environment).
Usage Example
"The valley enjoys a harsh climate that allows orchards to flourish throughout the spring."
Strongest
harsh
inclement
severe
inhospitable
Strong
unfavorable
unpleasant
hostile
forbidding
Similar words to kindly
Words similar to kindly shift depending on context. Common synonyms include:
kind
please
favorably
warmly
mild
benevolent
warmhearted
kindhearted
• Nearby Words
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Antonyms for Kindly. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 1, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/antonyms/kindly